A Collection of the Letters of
Private John H. Crittenden
Company G Jeff Davis Rangers
9th Regiment Ala. Vols.
Richmond, Va.
Care of Capt. E.Y. Hill
Handwritten Note:
Great Uncle of Bill Avant
Bill Avant
4121 E. Windsor
Phoenix, Ariz.
Spragins, Allen
retyped wnr 8.29.06
1
John Crittenden was the son of John and Caroline Crittenden, Oakey Streak,
Alabama. John was killed in the battle of Sharpsburg in 1862. He was 19 years old.
These are exact copies of John’s letters that he wrote back home to his family
and friends. The spelling is exactly as in the original letters.
Identification of names mentioned in the letters
Toab Files--------------------------Soldier friend of John’s.
Mr. Sanford------------------------Friend who lived with Family at Oakey Streak
Frank--------------------------------Negro slave
Big Joe------------------------------Negro in charge of shops. Father of Kenyon, Frank,
Julius, Dan, Jack, and Julia
Wilson
Miss Becky
Sally
The Arab---------------------------John Crittenden’s horse
Oliver H. Crittenden--------------Brother of John
Joseph F. Crittenden--------------Younger brother of John H. Crittenden
Richmond
June 19, 1861
Dear Father and Mother,
I have taken this opportunity to give you a short Epistle to let you know that I am
well and hoping that these few lines may find you enjoying the same good blessings
and the rest of the family.
I did not leave Greenville by one day as soon as I expected. We left on
Wednesday at 8 o’clock, arrived in Montgomery 11 o’clock the same day. We lay over
their until Friday morning. We left again for this place at 8 o’clock and traveled both
night and day until we landed which was yesterday at 11 o’clock.
We are encamped about two miles from the business part of town on the west
side. We had to leave J.L. Files at Wilmington Sick but Nothing very Serious. Cone
Wagnon is along with us. He has his bible along with him and also Malay Robersons
shoe peddler.
The first thing I saw after I arrived at Camp Grounds one Company has one of
their …. Tied down and gagged for drinking and cursing his captain. When I saw it I
felt like I had rather be at home. As I passed through Loachapaka I saw Uncle
Sanford, Joel Phillips, Bod Coderhed and when I got to Auburn I saw Oliver and ant
West Point I saw Mr. Todd.
If you wish to know how much money I have I give you an account of give me
and how spent.
You give Me
My uniform cost me
One hat
$23.00
7.50
2.50
and besides that I had to feed myself nearly all the way. We had our provisions
cooked up but spoilt before we landed heare. The reason way I had to by a hat Mine
blowed off while I was riding on the Cars from Greenville to Montgomery and need
not expect that I won’t have no use for money for it will Cost as much as if I was at a
boarding school.
It will take a pair of shoes every 2 weeks and the Captain has never given me one
thing but a Cap. I had to buy My own blankets and every thing that I have had any
use for.
They had a fight at Bethel Church the other day. The Confederate Men whipped
the abolitionist. Jeff Davis rode by our camp yesterday evening. I have a great deal
of news to write but have space nor time. Tell Mr. Vanpelt that I will write to him the
first opportunity. Give my respects to both of the Drs., Mr. Sanford, Bud and George
and also Mrs. Hall and as for Ma I would give anything in the world to see her. If you
wish to write to me back I will give you a sample how to back your letters:
Private J.H. Crittenden
Company G. Jeff Davis Rangers
Richmond, Va.
Care of Capt. E.G. Hill
You need not feel uneasy about my drinking for I have not touched a drop since I
have landed nor don’t intend to.
Your affectionat Son
John H. Crittenden
Richmond
July 2, 1861
Dear Mother,
I have taken this opportunity of addressing you a few lines to let you know where
I am and what I am doing. We have joined a regiment but our Capt. Is dissatisfied
and is going to try to get out. It is a North Ala. Regiment and there is a good many
Irish in it and they are always drinking and fighting if he succeed in doing so we will
be heare some time yet.
Saw Hiram….evening. He belongs to a …..Regt. their was 8 confederate men
taken 40 yankee prisoners Sunday above here on the river. We taken two spies here
Sunday at our Camp and them in jail know….their trial. The Penatentiary was set on
fire yesterday evening and burnt down all but the main building, burnt the wood and
Black Smith Shops. It was done by one of the convicts.
Ma I want you to have my s sent to me by Adams express. Wont cost but 75
cents and that will be cheaper than for me to buy another pair. I can’s keep a pair of
shoes fit to wear to Church and drill in every day and we wont be out of reach of
Church the whole time we will be out here. It is very….what I though….jest in
town….whole time we are divided out in Messes from 6 to 8 in a mess. I am in a
mess with Toab Files and two of Mr. Rudolph Sons, a young man by the name of
Wright from Covington near Rudolph’s Mills and another by the name of Miller
living near Fullers Cross roads about 5 miles above Millville. We have a Negro boy to
do our cooking but we have to hire our washing done which costs 5 cents a garment.
I have written two letters home and have not received no answer at all and am
growing very impatient and know I am going to try you and Henry Fengin to see if
you wont write and if you don’t you need not expect to heare from me any more. I
promised to write to Mr. Vanpelt but…..biding me good bye and ….that I understood
enough from this young man Wright to know that he was concerned in that scrap
with Slaton Wright, was present at fight and hear him express himself. Just believe
him to be the meanest man I know on the top of the earth and the quicker Pa gets
clear of him the better for him and his whole family. He pretends to like Bud but I’ll
assume that he will do him all injury that he can.
I mad one mistake when I wrote to Mr. Sanford about the number of soldiers.
There is not but 15,000 soldiers here. I was thinking about another then.
You must give my respects …..and share the ….
Your affectionate son
J.H. Crittenden
P.S. I expect to write the old Dr. a long letter after a few days.
Give him my respects and Dr. Hall and Mrs. Hall.
Your etc.
J.H.C.
Head Quarters
July 21, 1861
Dear Father
I have once more taken an opportunity of addressing to let you know where I am
and that I am well. I have been trying to get an opportunity but could not. We left
Richmond on the 14th for Winchester where we landed on the 17th. We went via
Manassas Junction which is 103 miles from Richmond and from there to
Spartanburg which is 61 miles and then we marched over to Winchester, a fort which
is 18 miles where we lay over 2 nights and a day and a half and we received marching
orders to march back to Manassas that Beauregard was attacked by the enemy and
here we are now marching 40 miles waiting for cars to take us on to Manassas. Out
of 91 Privates we landed here with only 24. They give out on the way. Some sick in
one place and some in another. We had to wade branches and swim rivers with our
cloths on our backs and have not had nothing to eat since yesterday morning nor
don’t expect to get anything till I get to Manassas which is 20 miles and expect not to
start until 9 o’clock today but still I am perfectly satisfied if the rest can stand it so
can I. Gen. Beauregard killed 900 of the enemy and lost only 10 men. I have not
received a single letter from home not since I received Mr. Sanford’s. I had to write
this letter with a pencil. I don’t know weather you can make it out or not. I would be
the gladest in the world to get a letter from home but I don’t know wheather to tell
you to direct your letter to but I think if you will write immediately and direct your
letter to Manassas Junction maybe I will get it. Perhaps we will march towards
Washington City after we land at Manassas and I don’t expect nothing else but that
we will have to fight before it is long and if I should get killed upon the battle field I
will get Lieut. Adams to write you word. We belong to North Ala. Regt. Our Col. Is
from Tennessee, his name is Wilcox. He seems to understand his business quite
well. He served through the Mexican War. You need not answer this letter at all for
I don’t (know) whether I will receive it or not and I will write again the first
opportunity affords itself and perhaps I may be stationed for but think it rather
doubtful. I just think that we will be marching on after the enemy until the war is
over which I don’t think will be long for I understand that Seward is making peace
speeches.
Give my respects to all the family and all inquiring friends and be sure not to
forget Wilson.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Manassas Junction
July 23rd 1861
Dear Father and Mother,
When I wrote my last at Piedmont on the 21st. I wrote you that we expected we
would have a battle every day. The battle was over before we got here and their was a
considerable loss on both sides. The enemy loss to be about 9,000 besides the
prisoners which was a great many. Their was 800 taken in one day besides several
taken scattered about here and their and our loss was estimated to about 2100 killed
and wounded.
I never landed here until the day after the battle was over so I walked out on the
battle field this morning and such a sight I never saw before. I stood and counted on
about a half acre of ground 32 men and 21 horses belonging to the Yankees. I could
of stood and counted on the same spot 300 if I had of been a mind to.
We taken several horses and wagons, tents, ammunition and besides taken
Sherman’s battery, the best battery now in the United States. It is the same battery
that Brag fought with in Mexico. They fought for about four miles square in every
direction. You might just walk off the field and find men and horses scattered every
direction. We can find some blankets, over coats scattered in every direction where
they had to throw away when they were retreating.
I understand that old Scott wrote Beauregard word that he would meet him
again today but he has not come yet nor I don’t think that he has any notion of
coming in contact with Beauregard any more either.
The enemy force was about 140,000 and ours was about 70,000. There was a
Negro on our side that fought the whole time. He fired his 40 cartridges and then
begged for more and at last he could not get any more cartridges he ran up to one of
the enemy officers and thrust his bayonet through him and taken his watch, pistols,
and the amt. of $15.00.
Our side taken several Negro prisoners from the Yankees and put them to raising
breast works.
When I wrote you the other day that I would let you know where to back your
letters to me I reckon you had better not write to me at all yet until I get stationed at
some certain spot which I think will be sometime yet. We are jist marching about
over the country in every direction. We have not been stationed no where since we
left Richmond. We are now camped on a little stream right North of Manassas
Junction 7 miles distant and in about 35 miles of Washington City. I would like right
well to hear from home though if you should write me back it Richmond but it will be
some time before I will get it if ever I do.
You can tell Oliver that he could not begin to stand the marching at all. That is
the worse thing about it. That is all I hate about it. We had to march yesterday
about 10 miles over the mudyest road you ever saw and it raining all the time.
Give my best wishes to all the family and inquiring friends and don’t forget to
give my respects to Wilson weather I remember to mention it or not.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
P.S. I don’t know wheather all this is true about the war but I
write just as I hear it.
J.H.C.
Manassas Junction
July 26th 1861
Dear Father and Mother,
I received your letter dated July 10th yesterday in which you wanted to know
whether I was I need of anything or not. I have plenty of both clothes and money. I
have $25 on hand and more clothing that I can well march with on my back. I
drawed $30 from the government and I owed Lieut. Adams $5 borrowed money
which left me 25. The Government still owes us for 12 days back rations but when I’ll
get it I can’t tell.
We are now camped about 7 miles North of Manassas Junction right in the
center of the battle ground and every thing begins to smell very bad for their was not
all the enemy buried by a good many. The enemy would not burry their own dead
and we had not the time before the smelt so bad that we could not.
The day of the battle the 4th Ala. Regt. Suffered more than all the reset of the
army put together. Every field officer was killed that belonged to it. This company
from Brooklyn lost 3 besides 17 wounded. It belonged to the 4th Regt. I don’t think
that their was any of them hurt you were acquainted with or had ever heard of
without it was young McKever. I say Billy Hodges, Jake Hushfielder, Mark Traves
almost every day. Jake Hushfielder was very particular to enquire after Miss Beck
and Traves he is Lieut. In that Company and as I started to state to you young
McKeiver was badly wounded. He was shot through the flesh part of both thighs and
another wound besides but I don’t remember where it is now. He fought after he
received his first wound like nothing never had happened. He fought till he fell on
the field. He is not dead nor do I think he will.
You wanted to know what kind of money that is needed to pay. Any kind will pay
heare that will pass any wheare. I have seen more little 15, 10, 5 cent bills than you
ever saw in all your life. Since I have been heare Gold or Silver would suite me best
on account of the rain but I am no ways particular about that. I can be a little careful
with it.
I have written two letters home since I left Winchester and had begun to think
that you was not going to write any more so when I wrote my last I wrote you word
not to write any more thinking that they would not reach me but you must still
continue to correspond and remind Mr. Sanford for I have been looking very
patiently for a letter from him some time so you must write to me soon and back
your letters to Richmond and they will follow on after me. I don’t know where else to
tell you to back them for we will be marching all over the country wherever our
services will be needed. We think it won’ be long before we will march into
Washington City.
We are still taking prisoners every day that got scattered over the country the day
of the battle while they were retreating.
I am with respect
Your affectionate Son
J.H. Crittenden
July 27 I wrote this letter yesterday but had not the opportunity of sending it to the
Post Office. I have not felt very well since yesterday. I reckon it was caused from
getting wet the other day. We had to march all day through the rain and lay out all
night in our wet clothes. We have not slept under our tents in a week or ten days.
Out of the 91 Privates there is not but 23 fit for duty. I still hold up. I have not
missed roll call nor not a single days duty since I left home.
Your Son
J.H. Crittenden
I wrote to Ma to send my boots to me and you never mentioned in your letter at all if
you have not sent them. I am glad of it but if you have sent them I would like to
know so that I can get them.
Since I wrote this we was called in a line of battle and stacked our arms to be ready at
a moments warning. If we do leave I will write you (to let you) know where I am.
Manassas Junction, Va.
July 30th 1861
Mr. Sanford,
Dear Sir, Your kind favor of the 19th came safely to hand yesterday which gave
me a great pleasur4e to hear from you and home for I had begun to think that you all
had forgotten me. I was truly glad to hear that you were well for it is more than I can
say for myself for I have got the measles at last but I am doing very well.
There is nothing new but what you have heard of before. I reckon that you heard
of that battle we had here the other day which is said to be the greatest battle that
ever was fought on the American Continent in the same length of time.
I understood the other that old Abe sent a message to Davis wanting 40 days to
consider the matter of to know whether he should have peace or war but Davis would
not allow him but four days and his time was out yesterday.
General Beauregard rode out by our camp the other day. He is a fine looking
man too. The day of the battle he rode right between our army and the enemy,
waved his hat at the enemy as he drew his sword and cut at the enemy. He had his
horse shot down under him but he got another horse, rode back just like nothing had
happened.
You wrote very unfavorable news, news that I was sorry to hear but I heard still
worse news than you wrote. I understood that Capt. Glasgow stopped in
Montgomery to form a regiment and had to keep out a guard to keep his men from
deserting.
You wanted to know in your letter whether I wanted anything or not. I don’t
think that I need anything more than I already have I have some money and Pa said
that he had sent me some by John Glasgow, which if I am ever able to get will be the
greatest of plenty.
So I must come to a close. You must excuse the mistakes that I have made and
my hand writing for my fever is on me and I am very nervous.
Give my respects to all the family and all inquiring friends and share the same
with yourself and also to Sallie, Winnie and Big Joe.
I am with respect
Yours, etc. J.H. Crittenden
P.S. You must write often. I think between you all you might write to me once or
twice a week any how. Whether you write any news or not I am glad to receive a
letter from home and tell Ma if I am not mistaken I wrote to her once and would be
so glad to receive an answer. When I wrote to Pa the other day I spoke as I expected
we would be off from this place pretty soon but it was only an alarm beat to see how
the boys would stand it. Some stood it very well while some others were very near
frightened to death.
Yours etc.
J.H.C
Near Richmond, Va.
August 8th 1862
Mr. J.M. Sanford
Sir I received your kind favor that you gave to Jiles Wright to hand to me and
Frank, Henry Pitts landed here yesterday evening all safe. Jiles and Henry was
highly pleased to get back, but Frank is very much dissatisfied but I think he will like
it better after he gets acquainted. The rest of the negro boys is trying to make him
make himself at home.
You wrote me word that the next battle I get in I must send you an overcoat and
a pistol. I will be sure to do so if I can. Frank tells me that Cousin Louiza sent Ma a
ticket and Ma gave it to Sally and Sally went in her place.
Frank says that as he was coming here he came across Robt. Crittenden in
Greenville. They came on together as far as West Point and Robt. Told him to tell me
to write word to you all that he wanted to call and see you but did not have a chance
for doing so. Frank says that the crops is suffering for rain very much. He says that
he don’t think that you will all make a half crop this year.
You must tell Ma that she ought to of sent a a pair of blankets with but I reckon I
will be able to get him some the next battle I get into, that is if the Yankees don’t get
me.
We went down the other day to meet the Yankees. Expected to have a little fight,
they ran our pickets in and taken Malvern Hill. General Lee taken us down and said
that he intended to make the Yankees respect him so put us into a line of battle and
taken Malvern Hill without firing a gun. Give me respects to everyone excepting a
portion for yourself.
I remain as ever your friend
John S. Crittenden
Near Manassas Junction
August 10th 1861
Dear Father
Yours of July 28th has come safely to hand and enclosed within I found fifty
dollars and the bearer brought with the letter three pairs of socks which I was glad to
see for I reckon that I will need them pretty soon and they were of the right kind for I
reckon the weather will begin to turn a little cool pretty soon. You also spoke of
sending a pair of boots but I did not receive them. The Long boys could not tell me
anything about them so I concluded that John Ballard carried them back home with
him through a mistake. You wanted to know in your letter whether it would be best
for me to have my cloths, shoes sent to me from home or not. I know it would be a
great deal the best if it could be done which I think could be for all the boys has been
or alt least the most of them has been receiving packages from home and never has
none of them miss receiving one yet. You also wanted to know wheather I wanted
any blankets or not. I would like very much to have you send me a pair by John A.
Ballard as he comes on, that is if he don’t give out the notion of ever coming any
more. And send me the largest pair you can find and any other color but white for
they get so black and dirty.
Tell Ma Toab Files wanted a pair of my socks so bad when he saw them that I
was compel to let him have them. He has done me so many favors that I could not
refuse him and he has not asked but two favors of me since I have been here and that
was one of them. Toab is sick and has been very (sick) since we left Montgomery and
has not been treated right since we landed here and undertaken to attend to the
duties of his office. The col. the other day taken Toab’s office from him and reduced
him down to a Private on account of a little negligence which Toab was not to blame
for at all and he is in low spirits. Don’t you report this about so that Mrs. Munkchus
will get holt of it for I don’t expect that Toab writes such news back.
You spoke in your letter like you understood that our Company was in the battle
which was all a mistake. There was tow or three of our company on the battle
ground the day of the battle but they never fired a gun at all. They helped take a few
prisoners through but you were not acquainted with neither one of them. It was all a
mistake about Mr. Randolph’s boys being in the battle for one of them was with me
and the other is in Richmond sick.
So you may just tell Big Joe and Horace that they need not have any more
uneasiness about me for I am not settled right down among the Yankees. Tell them
that it is some distance between us but still I am glad to hear that some of them
thinks about my welfare and I don’t think it will be long before I will be at home.
You must not neglect to send me those blankets and tell Ma to send me one
small towel and another pair of socks by J.A. Ballard and be sure to send the largest
pair of blankets you can find. Give my respects to John A. and tell him he must be
sure to come. Tell him that all he will need will be three hickory shirts, three pairs of
draws, two pair pants, three or four pair of socks and one pair of the longest blankets
he can find.
When ever I want anything I will write home after it and I don’t want you to send
me anny thing without my sending for it for I wont feel like lugging about over the
country with it on my back.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Dear Father,
Near Mannassas
August 15th 1861
I have once more taken my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you that I
am well again and hoping this few lines may find you are enjoying the same good
blessing. You said in your last letter that you was in hopes that I would not take the
measles but I think that it was the best thing on my side that ever happened as it
turned out no worse than it did, for I will weigh more than I ever did in my life. You
also wanted to know wheather you had better or not send my clothing and such
things as I need. I do think that it is best to get from home for I can not get nothing
here without paying two prices and it is not every time that I can get it them. I will
have my shoes sent to me from Roberson’s near Brooklyn that is if you have not
objection and if you do let me know. Maloy has his sent and I can have them sent to
me at the very same time. I ought by wrights to have any over coat for it is very cool
here already. We come very near having frost this morning, and also a pair of gloves.
You can tell how to fit me, just fit yourself and it will fit me. As for such clothing as
we will have to be particular about fitting, the government will furnish us so I have
heard and if not I will let you know in my next letter everything I need and send my
measure to you so you can have them made and sent to me. You must not neglect to
send those blankets whatever you do for I am needing them right now for the nights
is very cool and I can not purchase nothing of the kind here at all for we are not near
no store of no kind.
The health of our soldiers has improved a great deal since I wrote you last. I
heard from Danil Rudolph the other day. He is a great deal better off than he was
when I left him. He sent two telegraph dispatches to Dr. Harrison of Greenville to
come and attend to his case but the Dr. had not arrived the last time that I heard
form there. Toab Files and myself have been boarding out since we have been
camped over here, eating at a private house but sleeping out at camp. Been fairing
finely too. It cost us 25 cents a meal. We eat out breakfast and dinner and done
without supper as we were both not fit for duty.
Give my respects to all the family and expect my best wishes for yourself and also
give my respects to Wilson and tell him I think of him nearly every day and tell him I
never wanted to go hunting so bad in my life.
I remain as ever your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Near Manassas Junction
August 19, 1861
Dear Father,
Yours of 2nd came duly to hand on the 17th instant and brought the news that you
was sick which I was sorry to hear indeed. But it brought very favorable news about
crops but I think that is a pretty general thing all over the country. Pa you and Ma
seem very uneasy for fear that I will not do my duty faithfully as a soldier. I’ll assure
I will do my best. If I don’t do it will not be my fault.
You also wanted to know whether I was needing anything or not. There is a good
many things that I need if I could think of them all at once. I will give you a list of
such things as I need. I need 1 pair of blankets, 1 over coat, 1 pair of warm gloves, 2
large silk pocket hankerchiefs, 1 comfort, 1 pair of socks and when you send these
things send me some cake if it is nothing but ginger cake. I reckon you had better
send me a pair of shoes No. 7, 1 bar of hand soap, 2 large bars of soap to wash my
clothes for it is getting so that we don’t draw any soap at all. It is a hard matter for us
to get any thing we need at all there is so many soldiers here to be fed. There is
170,000 soldiers around Manassas to be fed from the place.
We have had rain about a week or ten days pretty regular so there is several of
our company laid up sick again. Cone Wagnon is right bad off with the rheumatism
and has been sent off to some private home. W.C. McQueen is also very sick but is
too bad off to be moved. Toab Files is also sick but not very bad off and there is some
of the rest of the Company got bad colds. Danl Rudolph and Knox, those two sick
ones that we left at the other Camp have improved a great deal. Dr. Harrison arrived
here day before yesterday.
I receive that fifty dollars that you sent me and also 3 pair of socks by the Long
boys. J.H. Ballard failed to come but did not receive those boots that you spoke of in
your letter.
Your requested me to write to yo often and communicate freely what I needed.
You need not be afraid but what I will let you know what I need as long as the mail
runs from here to Oak-Streak but if I write you will have to pay for the letters when
you take them out the office for we cannot get hold of here at all. It is so fixed that
we can back our letters so that we can send them home and not have them payed for
till they land at home and I reckon that I will have to adopt that plan. Cone Wagnon
has come back to Camp since I commenced my letter and send his respects to Mr.
Sanford and told me to tell you to tell him to send him some red pepper when you
Send me those things. Capt. Hill and Lieut. Whitfield are both sick and gone to
Richmond. Lieut. Adams is also sick but is not left Camp. There is a good many men
lying off in our Regt. But we have not lost but one out of our Company so far.
Give my respects to all inquiring friends and to the family and except my best
wishes for yourself.
Your Son
John H. Crittenden
P.S. You had better send me one good thick warm vest and you just try it on and get
it almost too small in the waist for you and 1 pair of strong suspenders.
I understand that they are trying to see how many of the soldiers that have
enlisted for war they can get to enlist over again for twelve months. That I think is a
sure sign of peace if it be true which I don’t think can be if it is so I am still in for the
war myself.
Dr. Harrison leaves here this evening for home.
Your Son
John H. Crittenden
Manassas Junction Va.
August 25th 1861
J.M. Sanford
Dear Sir.
Yours of July the 30th came safely to hand two or three days ago and have
failed to answer it until today on account of not having silver to pay the postage on
the letter but I got holt of a little this morning and expect to keep it for the express
purpose of sending letters back home.
I am about well and expect to go on duty in the morning as today is Sunday and
we have not duty to do only stand Guard. We have got the strictest old Col. You ever
saw. He keeps us inside of the lines just like we were in the penatintiary. If we get
out at all we have to get a permit from some of the commission officers and then go
to the Col. to get it counter signed and have to go out and in by the Guard house.
I have not news to write at all so I scarcly know how to begin. I am of the notion
that we will either have another great battle in a few days or peace one, for nearly all
the soldiers have left Manassas and gone on towards Washington.
I heard from Glasgow’s company yesterday. They are now in Richmond and Bill
Glasgow is about to die. You always writing to tome to write you concerning the war.
You all can hear more news that at home and get it more correct that I can hear for it
looks like they try to keep a soldier from knowing any more than they can help
concerning the war. If we start to march to a new place we are never allowed to
know where we are going until we get a good piece on the way.
I had the best breakfast this morning that I have had in a long time. I had just as
much fried chicken as I could eat and besides that I had biscuit, coffee, beef hash,
boiled beef and butter. I have got two more chickens left for another time. We can
get a plenty of chickens at 25 cents a piece, eggs at 25 cents a doz. Butter at 25 cents a
pound and plenty of it and the richest butter and honey you most ever saw. I have
nothing more to write at present. Your letter you spoke of writing on the 18th of July
I never received at all. You must write to me often. Pa and Ma if they don’t write to
me oftener I will take to drinking, smoking, chewing or some other bad habit just for
consolation expecially Ma. I know if you all knew what satisfaction it was for me to
receive a letter from home I know you would write more often. Oh! I like to of
forgotten to let you know that I had heard the election. It turned out just as I
expected. A.C. Vanpelt 99. Write to me soon and let me know whether there is a
change in him or not, whether he is trying to marry as bad as ever or not and who to.
And write me word what has become of Miss Beck and where she is boarding at how
Bud and George is pleased with her and tell Robt. I never thought of him in two
months after I left home. I got to counting up Ma’s boys on my fingers and I thought
that there ought to be five so after while I thought of him to make out the no. and
also let me know is tending to Pa’s business whether you or him or whter it is
somebody else and let me know how the Arab is getting along and tell Frank to take
good care of him and I will bring him some nice present when I come home and he is
not taken care of there will be a fuss in the family shure.
Give my respects to all. Except of my best wishes for yourself.
Your friend
John H. Crittenden
Camp Near Manassas Va.
Sept. 3rd 1861
Dear Father and Mother,
Your kind favor of the 25th of Aug came to hand on yesterday evening which I
was happy to receive especially Ma’s which surprised me very much. It was the most
satisfactory letter that I have received since I left home. I would be glad to receive
one every week. Just like it. I would of answered your letter yesterday as soon as I
received them but I was on guard duty and could not do so until this morning.
You wrote in your (letter) that you was uneasy for fear that I was not well but I
am. I feel as well as ever I did. Ma wanted to know how I fared while I was sick. I
fared very well while I was with Don Rudolph. His boy was waiting on me and him
both at the same time and he done it very well but as soon as Don left he carried his
boy with him and I fared bad. I never got anything to eat more than once a day until
I got able to walk 400 yards up to a house where I could get something to eat and got
well right away.
You also spoke of Oliver’s joining a military company. You tell him he had better
stay where he is with his disease for if he don’t die he will be sick from the day he
lands in camp until he lands back home. But if he is bound to join tell him to come
and join our company for it is a great deal better Company than any Company that
Conchus can raise in that neighborhood and be sure to bring a Negro boy along to
wait on him for I know that he will need him.
Ma wanted to know how I was treated by my officers. I am treated just well
enough if I say that I am too sick for duty I don’t do any duty and I just make myself
at home with them, say what I please and if I want to borrow anything I go to them
first. One especially Sam Adams. Our First Lieut. Died about a week or ten days,
Whitfield, and we elected Sam Adams in his place and elected Mat Patten in Sam
Adams place as Second Lieut. We had another man to die this morning at 7 1/2
o’clock by the name of W.C. McQueen. Birgus, Don Rudolph and Toab Files left the
camp on yesterday evening to a Private house out in the country. With the exception
of these 3 cases I think they are most of the Company is in very good health.
Ma wanted to know how much money I have on hand. I have $61.75 in paper
and $1.40 in silver. I spent a great deal while I was sick trying to get something I
could eat. Pa you wanted to know what I needed in the dry goods line. I will give
you as correct a list as I possibly can. 2 Flannel shirts, 4 pair flannel Drawers, 2
Hickory shirts, 2 pair Pants, 2 pr. Socks, 1 pair warm gloves, 1 flannel Cravat, 1 pair
high quartered shoes No. 7, 2 large silk hankerchiefs, 3 blankets and one of them
ought to be lined on one side with a piece of oil cloth to protect me from the damp
weather and the other two ought to be lined with something between Osnaburg on
one side cotton….and send me some needles, spool thread, flax thread, pins, 1 pair
cissars and buttons, 1 pair drawers, 1 pair suspenders, 1 over Coat, 1 vest.
Ma can buy something out of the store and make those pants. It does not matter
wheather they fit exactly or not and send me one large Pound cake. Box these things
up and back them to me at Richmond. Make the box in this way. By Adams Express
Private J.H. Crittenden
Richmond, Va.
Care of Capt. E.Y. Hill Company G.
9th Regt. Ala. Vol.
And write me a letter to Mannassas so that I may know when to send down after
them. You must be sure to send these for I cannot get anything of the kind here at all
for it is not to be had at all here. We are expecting to receive marching orders any
day.
Give my respects to Miss Civility to Cousin Lou and Mrs. Feagin and tell them I
would give anything in the world to see them. Give my respects to all the balance of
the family and except by best wishes for yourselves.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
P.S. Don’t fail to send me those things. I know that it is putting you to a great deal of
trouble but the things are not to be had here at all or I would get them myself. This
country is very different from what you think it is. It is just pretty much live
Covington county if anything worse. So I must come to a close. I would of written
you longer letter but I have not the time.
Your Son,
John H. Crittenden
Centerville, Va.
Sept. 22, 1861
Dear Father
Yours of the 10th came duly to hand on the 19th but I have failed to answer it until
today on account of our moving from our old encampment to this place. We did not
move but 16 miles in a direct direction to Washington. We are in 22 miles of
Alexandria.
You spoke in your letter that you was fearful that Ma would not fix up my
clothing to suit me. You need not be at all uneasy for I am not very hard to please
just so that I get a few warm clothing is all that I care for and as for shoes if we get
any at all we have to pay from $5 to $7 a pair for peg shoes and scarce at that. I did
think of sending to Brooklyn for shoes with several of the boys but I believe they give
it out and so I did not think it best to send by myself.
You say you have been writing to me and directing your letters to me at
Mannassas and you say you do not think that I have been receiving them. If I did not
receive I can’t tell the reason why for there is such a post office for there is where we
have been receiving letters all time and ever since we have been at Bull Run but I
have never heard of no such Post Office as Gender Hall, so when you write again
direct your letters to Mannassas until I write you word to change it for we are not but
9 miles from the place yet and there where we receive our provisions yet and Sam
Adams is acting as Quartermaster and he goes out there every day.
You wanted to know in your letter how the old Man Bullocks Son is. He is sick
but I can’t say what is the matter with him. He is diseased though and is hardly ever
able to do duty but I know one thing he pretty kills himself eating. The Dr. spoke
about having him allowanced.
That peace of advice that you give me about drinking, smoking and chewing I
think to be a piece of good advice and I have been following it up very well since I left
home. You need not be at all uneasy about my drinking for I can’t buy it at all here
and even if I could buy it I could not bring it in the lines by the Sentinel.
I have no news to write so I must come to a close. I just wrote you this short
letter to let you know where I am and that I am well. I am here today but don’t know
how long I will stay for I am expecting that we will leave in two or three days.
Give my respects to all the family and inquiring friends and accept my best
wishes for yourself.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Camp near Centerville Va.
October 5, 1961
Mr. Sanford,
Dear Sir. Your kind favor of September 24 came safe to hand day before
yesterday which I was glad to receive for it gave me a great deal of satisfaction to
hear that you was well and I should of answered it as soon as I received but I was on
guard duty and had not the opportunity of doing so until now. It brought the news
with it that Pa had started my box but I have not received it yet but am looking for it
every day. I understood that it was on the way several days ago and some of the boys
have received boxes that left Greenville since it has but they were sent by express. I
am not at all uneasy about it for several of the boys and Lieut. Adams has boxes
coming on the way with it. We left our encampment on Braud Run on Sunday the
29th of Sept. and marched to this place distance 16 miles to get a little nearer to old
Abe and his Crew bantering them for a fight but I don’t think that there is any fight
in them. We are in about 33 miles of Washington and some of our forces are in
about 20 miles. We have been expecting a fight every day for the past week. We kept
three days rations cooked to be ready but it is all past. I reckon for I don’t hear
anything of it lately so I reckon we will go into Winter quarters now pretty soon.
When do go into Winter quarters I am going to come home to see you if I can get a
furlough. I can travel on half expenses.
When I left Broad Run we left several men behind sick and among the number
was Toab Files, Don Rudolph and several others. The last time I heard from them
they were improving and would join the company again before now but the Col. said
that he did not want any men but what was able to do duty and they thought they
was not strong enough for we were expecting a fight every day and he wanted no
men along but what was able to fight.
We have got so that we don’t draw coffee at all but draw whiskey in the place.
Coffee can’t be had at all for less than 50 cents a pound. We don’t draw any more
sugar, candles, nor soap. We don’t draw anything but beef, flour meal, and pickle
port and that is measured out to us.
W.C. Wagnon told me to send his best respects to you and says that he is very
much oblidge to you for that pepper you put in the box and I can speak for myself I
am more than thankful to you for it and would have been very glad if you had of sent
that comfort that you spoke of that you made. I have no silver to pay the postage on
this letter so I reckon that I will have to frank it. It has been so long since I have seen
a dime in silver that I would not hardly how it would look.
I have no news to write so I must come to a close. I am well and have been ever
since I recovered from measles.
Give my respects to Big Joe, Sally, Winnie, Fannie.
Give my respects to all the family and except my best wishes for yourself.
I remain as ever your friend.
John H. Crittenden
P.S. If you all will back your letters to me at Richmond I will be sure to receive but
not as soon as I would if they would come on through.
Your etc,
J.H.C.
Dear Father,
Camp Near Centerville, Va.
Oct. 22nd 1861
Your kind favor of the 9th came safely to hand a few days ago and I have taken this
opportunity of answering it. I would of written to you before now but I have not had
the opportunity of doing so. We left our Camp on last Tuesday was a week ago.
Today on Pickett Guard we went within 12 miles of Washington City. We heard the
Yankee Drums beating very plainly. We was in two miles of a large Yankee army.
We had to retreat back to Centerville. Our Col. was ordered to retreat through
Fairfax Station and destroy it by fire but did not receive the Orders as soon as he
ought to off. He marched us nearly all night but when we got to Fairfax Station there
was a Calvalry Company there burning it as fast as they could and also all the bridges
on the railroad, so we marched until about 12 o’clock at night and stopped until the
next morning. We expected to have a battle the next day. Some think so yet but I
don’t. I don’t think the Yankee is a going to fight us here any more a fare fight. They
want to take us to the breast works so they can jump behind them bout our General
is most too smart for that. They are trying to lead the Yankee out. So that we can
have a fair fight with them. Col. Wilcox was also ordered to burn up the wagons that
belong to his redgiment but he swore that he would fight a whole brigade first. If I
had off been under any other Col. when we were retreating I would have been a little
uneasy for fear that the Yankee would off sourrounded us and cut off our retreat and
of taken the whole redgiment prisoners but I never fear nothing while Col. Wilcox is
leading me on. He has the name of being the best drilled Col. in the whole
Confederate Army.
You requested me to let you know what became of Hiram Crittenden. I am
unable to say for I have not seen nor heard from him since I saw him in Richmond
but if I am not mistaken his redgiment was in the fight at Manassas.
Mine and Toab’s box came safely to hand. The cake was perfectly sound but the
jar of pickles was broke all to pieces.
The next time the old man bullock asks you about his son you tell him he is a
great deal better off than he has been. He taken the march with us last week. The
Dr. has pronounced his disease to be the dropsy.
Toab Files health has improved very fast here lately. He looks as well as he ever
did and as devilish as ever.
Give my respects to the family and all inquiring friends and except my best
wishes for yourself.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
P.S. When you write your next let me know wheather Oliver is at home or not and if
he is tell him he must write to me.
Since I have commenced my letter I laid it down to eat my dinner and while I
was eating our men came by the Camp with five hundred Yankee prisoners that they
had at Leesburg. Our men had a fight with the Yankees there yesterday. The
number of our men was only 2500 the Yankees was down 10,000. our men killed a
great many besides taking the five hundred prisoners. The number that they killed I
have not heard yet.
Your etc.
J.H. Crittenden
P.S. Direct your letter to Richmond Virginia in this way.
Private John Crittenden
Company H
9th Redgiment Ala. Vols.
c/o Capt. E.Y. Hill of the Jeff Davis Rangers
(On the back of this letter)
Oakey Streak
Nov. 9th 1861
My Dear Oliver
I enclose to you Johns letter in which you will se a request from him that you
should write to him which I wish you would do immediately and from this day
forward for you to keep up a regular correspondence with him as a request from me
that you must not neglect. I have no news from here to write as know of that would
interest you only we are all well. Vanpelt has bought out Sam Jones and fixing to
move.
Write me when your school is up. I have made no arrangements for money as
yet. I am ginning my cotton and having it ready when ever we get a market for it.
Bring John’s letter back with you without fail for your Mother has every one of
them locked up in a box.
Nothig more but subscribe myself.
Your father
John Cittenden
Camp Centerville
November 15th 1861
Dear J.M. Sanford
Dear Sir: Your kind favor of Oct. 19th came safe to hand which I was glad to
receive for it brought with it the good news that you were all well which gave me a
great deal of satisfaction after hearing that there was so much sickness in the
country.
I have taken my seat to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well not
that I have any news to write at all.
There is but very little sickness in Camp at this time. They sent a good many
down to Richmond about a month or six weeks ago sick and among them was Billy
Nichols, old Joel Nichols son and we have not seen or heard from him since he
started to the Depot. He was out of his head and we don’t know whether he is living
or dead or whether he ever went o Richmond. Don Rudolph got a furlough to go to
Richmond about 5 weeks ago and his brother got a letter from him the other day and
he was at home in Greenville.
There was a young man from our company died at Mannassas the other day by
the name of Mitchell. He was from Covington County. There was three brothers of
them at first and out of the three there is only one left. One died at Bull Run.
We have been out of Pickett again since I wrote to you last and we had a very bad
time of it too for it rained the whole time. We had a poor chance to cook or sleep
either so one night I slipt off to a house and stayed all night as when the hour arrived
for us to all go to bed I was shown a room above stairs where I slept in a feather bed.
I can’t say that I slept much either for my head swam all night long not being use to
sleeping n a bedstead.
When I wrote to you last I spoke of trying to get a furlough and come home after
we got into Winter Quarters but I have give it out. I think it useless to try. Capt. Hill
tried the other day to get a furlough and Major Gen. Smith would not give it to him
and it made the Capt. Very mad. He said that he wished Major Gen. Smith was in
hell and he had a receipt for him. He would keep him there one whet. Major Gen.
Smith says that he is not going to give no furloughs to go that distance only in cases
of sicknesses.
I would like very well to come home to see the girls though. Give my respects to
them all and tell hem howdy. I reckon they will all be married though by the time I
get back but if they do I will kill somebody and marry a widow.
When you write me again let me know what has become of Bill Morris. I don’t
like that fellow much no how so I reckon that I will have to take his widow and also
let me know whether Bub has got to writing yet or not and whether Oliver is at home
or not.
Give my respects to all and show the same with yourself.
I remain as ever yours etc.
John H. Crittenden
To Mr. J.M. Sanford
Camp Near Centerville
Nov 23rd 1861
Dear Father
Your welcome letter of the 9th has come to hand. I was on Pickett when I
received it or I should of answered it before this time.
I have no news to write at all. I merely write to let you know where I am and that
I am well. We have received orders from head quarters to be ready to march at 30
mins. warning. I should guess from that that Johnston and Beaugard are expecting a
fight now pretty shortly. It would not surprise me at all if it would not come off in
the course of a week or ten days if the weather moderates a little but I don’t think it
will any more this winter. It has looked very much like snowing for the last two or
three days. It did sleet a little this morning.
W.C. Wagnon has whipped Serageon and gone down to Richmond and the last
that I heard off him he was trying to get a discharg and I expect that he will get it too.
I will be glad if he does for he has not behaved himself very well since he has been
here. The day after we arrived at Bull Run he went out on the battlefield and came
across a yankee hid under a haystack and he tried to make the yankee give up and
then scalped him. He never would tell no one of it but myself and one or two others.
Toab Files has written to Bea Hill of Georgia to get him to assist him in getting a
transfer to a company in Pensacola commanded by his Uncle Robt. Burton and I
expect that he will succeed. Phil Walters of Greenville has got a transfer for one of
his sons to join the 4th Ala. Redgt. Our Company is getting to be very small . There
has four of them died and eight or ten of them got discharges and about 20 of them
gone down to Richmond on the sick list. The most of our Company is getting tired of
the way that Capt. Hill is doing. He is drunk all the time and we start out on Pickett
he gets sick and has to be left at Camp and Adams is quartermaster and so we have
no officer at all. Mills he has gone down to Richmond pretending to be sick and went
without a leave from the Col. or Brig. Gen. either. So when he gets back he will be
court-martialed for it.
I received a letter from Oliver the other day. I did not know where he was until I
received his letter for you wrote me word some time since that the school was broken
up in Auburn.
Give my respects to all the family and inquiring friends and except a share for
yourself.
Your son,
J.H. Crittnden
When you get through reading this letter burn it up and say no more about it. Lt.
Mills has arrived from Richmond and Billy Grisset has got a discharge.
Camp Near Centerville Va.
Dec. 8th 1861
Dear Father,
I received your kind favor of Nov. 26th last night and this morning I take my pen
in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and that I received my
second box a few days ago and every thing came safely to hand. The cake was as
good and as sound as the day it was cooked. You tell Ma that she need not think that
I am at all dissatisfied with anything that have received from home although she
send me one or two things that I had no use for and that was that cravat although it
was a very nice one, as fine a one as I could of wished for and that I am very thankful
to her for them and also Mrs. Hall for those papers and pamphlets. You need not
send me those shoes. I reckon that I can make out here better than you can at home
for shoes. I sent to Richmond about a month ago and got a pair of shoes and when
they give out I will be able to get some more and have plenty of money. We will draw
fifty one dollars again in a few days. I am sorry to hear that your horse was levied on
for so small amount as fourty dollars. I expect that Vanpelt was at the head of it. He
has been at the head of all such devilment since you have been living where you are.
He has done you all the harm that is in his power and I am fearful that he is not done
yet. I wish for my part that he had a went some foreign country where I never would
be able to lay my eyes on him again for he was the cause of my leaving home and the
only cause. If it had not been for him I would never been bound over to court.
Our Company is going down very fast. Their has a great many of the boys got
discharges on account of delicate health and several more trying and also a good
many getting transfers from this Regt. to others because they are not pleased with
Hill.
Those socks that Miss Nancy Josey sent to Jacob Long I had to mail them up in
my box and send them back to the Junction. Jacob Long is in Richmond sick and
Bullock also.
I heard from Billy Nichols. He is in Richmond at a different hospital from where
the rest of our men was sent to.
Give my respects to all and share the same with yourself.
Your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Camp near Centerville
Dec. 14th 1861
Dear Brother,
Your welcome favor of the 5th came to hand on day before yesterday which I was
glad to receive I assure you.
I was sitting mussing in my tent thinking of friends and relatives far away and
being thoughtful. Sleep passed from my eyelids and I concluded to drop you a few
lines to give a few brief sketches of my experience in this campaign. When I
volunteered I did it enthusiastically and full of cheers to have an opportunity with
my friends and brethren of expelling the lawless and inhuman invaders that was
then threatening our borer and I do not regret my enlistment. I hold my Country
second to my God and Heaven. Would you live in a Country overrun and tyrranyzed
and downtrodden by a wreckless monopoly whose motto and aim is conquest and
rapine. Our Country we cherish thee and rather than submit this fair land of ours to
be ravished and dishonored let the bones of her Sons whiten her borders and leave to
posterity that which was left us by our forefathers. Liberty and a home. The home of
the brave and the land of the free. Our Country we are occupying is a Country
interspersed with many hills, mountains old field and worn out lands….with a
solitary view but sourrounded on all sides with rich and furtile soil and bordering us
Lincolns Rabble ready to ransack and plunder and steal from graineries that which I
reckon they stand very much in need, but they are certain to look before they leap for
they are not so ready to forget the Chastizement that our boys administered unto
them at Bull Run and teaching them one of the ten commandments “Thou shall not
steal” and the Yankees are not so bold as to forget it already.
You spoke in your letter that you thought it doubtful about their being any school
in Auburn next year and that if there was not school you had a notion of going to the
wars but if I was in your place I would stay at home and help Pa.
Give my respects to all enquiring friends and also to the family and except a
share for yourself.
Your affectionate Brother
J.H. Crittenden
Manassas Va.
Jan 1, 9162
Dear Father,
I received a letter from Oliver on yesterday in which he said Ma wanted to know
if I would like to have a discharge or Substitute. I would take either to get out of this
Regiment if I could get it honorably if not I would prefer staying whear I am
although if I could get out of this Regiment I would not quite the Service but join
other near home and risk the chances of getting under officers that I like better than
I do the officers in this Regiment, both Company and Field Officers.
Mr. Crittenden: John rec’d a letter from Oliver stating that I had been applying
for a discharge. It is my wish to procure one although I haven’t made application as
yet. John and myself have been together ever since we volluntured and would like to
be transferred together. We have become very much dissatisfied in our present
position. A transfur is very difficult to get on account of our Col. would refuse. We
will except a transfur or substitute uncompromising favor compared. We want you
and Mr. Munchus to act in concer and procure us release from our present
embarrassment. If obtained a discharge I would voluntur again wherever suited us
best. We are privates and have a very poor hearing if anything is done for us it will
have to be done through friends at home. The most of the boys we associate with are
getting discharges and transfurs and we do not desire to stay in a company of refused
material. I am willing to offer up my life a sacrifice for my country if need be. We do
not mind the hardship of Camp life but we detest a bigotry officer or officers. We
will suffer all for our country but nothing for an aspiring half witted fool. We have
marched over hills, dales, mountains, mud ice, cold and all these never produced a
mummer, but one angry sentence from an officer would stir ambitious pride. It is
winter now and if you can get a substitute we would like it much better. Please speak
to Mr. M. for us and do all you can. Give my best wishes to your family.
James T. Files
P.S.
Pa if you don’t succeed in getting that for Toab and myself I would be glad if
you would send me Frank to wait on me. Give my love to all the family and except a
share for yourself.
I remain as ever your affectionate Son
J.H. Crittenden
Manassas Va.
Jan 8th 1862
Mr. J.M. Sanford,
Dear Sir, Yours of Dec. 22nd came safely to hand a few days ago but I neglected to
answer it until today on account of building a house to sinter in. It is about 14 x 16
and I think by the time it is complete I can winter in it as snug as a rat. There is
nothing to do to it but make a door and shutter and lay the floor. We had a battle at
Drainsville about two weeks ago between the 10th Ala. 1st Kentucky 7th South Carolina
and one of the Virginia Regiments against about 10,000 yankees. The loss was very
heavy on both sides. You wrote me word in your letter that Mr. Wilson was anxious
to receive my letter. I wrote him once and have never received an answer, but if it be
his request I will write him a short Epistle in a few days. You also wrote word that
you understood that tow of the Long boys was on their way home. They left here
about a month ago to go to Richmond on sick leave. I expect that they are trying to
get a discharge though. There is at this time about 40 of our Co. in Richmond and
other hospitals and we have had several to get discharges that had no more business
with one that I have. Two of my mess mates have got discharges, Don Rudolph and
W.A. Brock. There is another one of them gone to the hospital by the name of Miller
and would not be at all supprised if he did not get a discharge before he gets back.
Tell Ma to tell Miss Nancy Josey that I have not been able to hive him those socks yet
and I don’t look for him back at tall and I want to know what to do with them. Tell
Bud and George that they must make haste and learn to write and write to me which
does the most devilment and write me word about all their ups and downs. You
spoke in your about my getting a furlough and coming home and staying a while. I
would like very much to do so but I think it useless to try it being so far home. You
must write to me as soon as you receive this and write often and back your letters to
Manassas and let me know in your letter how Uncle Bob’s family is getting along and
also the old man Jernigans. Let me know wheather Dave ever puts o his boots these
days or not and takes a trip to Lounds and let me know how Uncle Julius and Aunt
Milly is coming on and tell them I would like very much to see them. I have not
heard from them since I left and wheather they are still living at the Hart place or
not. Give my respects to all and except a share for yourself.
Yours etc.
John H. Crittenden
Manassas Va.
Jan 11th 1862
Dear Brother,
Yours of the 31st of December came safely to hand on yesterday which I was glad
to receive. I assure you to learn that you were all well. You spoke of having a very
dull Christmas. I reckon if you had of enjoyed just such a Christmas I did you would
of thought it dull sure enough. I was building me a hut to winter in during Christmas
holidays. I did not work only during Christmas two but I have it completed at last
and Toab and I went to Manassas and purchased some few articles to start
housekeeping on.
You also spoke in your letter of our Company being nearly broken up which is
true and that Toab had asked for a discharge but I don’t think it is so. If it is I never
heard anything of it before and also that Ma wants to know whether I wanted one or
not. You can tell her that I would like to have one if I could get it honorably if not I
had rather live and die right where I am. If I had one I would not quit the service but
would join some Regt. nearer home and at some point where I would not have to
take such long marches. I am not at all pleased with officers though…our…no worse
disappointed with….been all the time. We have no Company officer no how for Capt.
Hill and Lt….is both gone home on sick leave and lt. Adams is acting as
Quartermaster so that leaves us nearly destitute of Company Officers and as for field
Officers, they are just as sorry as officers ever get to be so take it all together and I
reckon that we have got the sorriest officers in the Confederate Service and if I
should get a substitute that Substitute would curse the day that he ever saw the
Ninth.
We have had but very little cold weather up to this time bust still we have had
two or three snows and sleets and the ground has been frozen for four or five days at
a time.
Give my respects to all and except a share for yourself.
I remain your affectionate Brother
J.H. Crittenden
Culpepper Va.
Feb 8th 1862
Dear Father,
I take my seat this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know where I am
and how I am getting on. I am at this time about 60 miles from Manassas at the
hospital sick on the railroad running from Manassas to Richmond. I recolect of
receiving a letter from you about a week ago but I was so unwell that I don’t recollect
a thing that was in it but I recolect a thing that was in it but I recolect of reading it
and burning it.
I have no news to write only I am improving very fast and I want to get back to
my Redgiment as quick as possible before I ketch some disease that will cause my
death or detain me here some time and I think if I don’t leave pretty shortly they will
perish me to death any way.
You must excuse the shortness of my letter for I feel very weak.
Give my respects to all and except a share for yourself.
I remain as ever your affectionate Son
John H. Crittenden
Winter Quarters near Centerville
Feb 8, 1862
Mr. J. Crittenden
Dear Sir:
John being absent at General Hospital. He left with the understanding if I
receive a letter from home for him to keep it and remail it to his destination. He left
here nearly two weeks ago pretty sick and he was to write immediately and I haven’t
rec’d a line or heard a word and I take the responsibility of answering your letter
hoping it may prove informative to you. I guess John’s sickness is not of a serious
nature and he will soon return to Camp. There is so many hospitals I cannot give
you his address. The cause of our dissatisfaction is just this, there is a … of discord in
our Company and a good many of our best boys gone and have gotten off to other
regts. and discharges. We felt unhappy and wanted to be where there was more
concord and harmony. As far as quiting the service is concerned I never expect to
drop the sword when my beloved native South is bleeding from the invasion of goths
and vandals whose moto is booty never! No never! We merely wanted to change
places. We are here bordering the enemy and whenever the enemy attempted to
force our outlines you will hear good report. For there is not a man in our Co. would
deny the belief that we would face any danger. Last and latest news from the great
powers of Europe as favorable to our infant republic and we are expecting to hear
more cheering news soon. The Yankees are now straining every nerve to do
something for they know their time is drawing nigh. If they don’t do something and
that soon the day is dead and the game gone. Do not think we are tired of being
Soldiers for it is a great mistake. I love an adventurious life. I would love to get
aboard a Privatur Ship and I would love to be in Kentuck and I not know sometimes
what we’ve got the Yankees licked and do not expect any more fighting here at this
place. Give respects to your family. I am yours with
L. T. Files
The Yankees have better sense than to undertake our formidable fortifications here.
At lease they are not so hazardous. I would like to write more I haven’t more
stationary.
Orange Court House Va.
March 22, 1862
Mr. J.M. Sanford
Dear Sir. I received your kind favor of Feb. 26th which I was glad to see for it has
been sometime since I had heard from home until then. We are now encamped
about 75 miles from our old encampment on the railroad running from Manasas to
Richmond and about 90 miles from Richmond, but I don’t know how long we will
remain here for some think that we will be sent to North Ala. but I don’t know
whether it is true or not. I saw a letter from Pa the other day to Toab Files
concerning something about a Substitute. You can tell Pa that he need not put
himself to any farther trouble or expense trying to get me a substitute but I would be
very glad if he would assist Toab all he can for I am getting very tired of him and if he
cannot get him out without me I am willing a substitute also. Everything we had was
burnt up but what we could toat on our backs to keep the Yankees from getting them
when we left Winter Quarters.
I left the hospital and went to Camps about two weeks before we left and since
we have been on the road I have had the Mumps but never stopped at all.
Give my respects to all and except a share for yourself.
I remain as ever your affectionate friend.
J.H. Crittenden
Near Richmond
June 17th 1862
Dear Father,
When I wrote to you last I expected to of been in a fight before this time but we
are no nearer now than we have been for sometime. Both armies is in about 3 miles
of each other making preparations for a battle.
I understood the other day that Beauregard was in North Carolina and on his
way here with 40,000 troops to reinforce Johnson with but wheather it is so or not I
can’t tell but I think it is mere Camp rumor like many others I hear every day here in
camp.
Gen. Johnson was wounded in the fight the other day and Gen. Lee has
command of the forces around and about Richmond.
Joe Green was killed the other day in battle but his redgiment was not in the
fight at all. He was killed by a flying ball from the enemy.
Mayor Gen. Hill sent his adjutant down to John Glasgow redgiment to take their
flag away from them for Cowardice. There was nobody in Command of the
redgiment but their Major and he refused to give up and I don’t how they made out.
We had an election the other day in our Camps for Lieutancy in Sam Adams
Vacancy. A man by the name of Brewer that kept a little one horse grocery at Yellow
Shanks and Toab has been appointed Orderly Sergeant again.
When I wrote to Ma the other day I wrote her word to send me Horace. I reckon
you had better not send him for they are giving us half rations to eat and we are not
allowed to draw anything for a servant and I had rather have my washing done and
do my own cooking than to be bothered with him.
You must write to me soon and let me know whether Wright go home safe or not
and also tell Ma and Oliver that I received letters from them the other day.
Give my respects to all the family and inquiring friends and except a portion for
yourself.
I remain as ever your affectionate Son,
John H. Crittenden
Near Chickahoming
July 7, 1862
Dear Father,
I received your letter a few days ago which I was glad to hear from you all. I have
not had the opportunity of answering it until now on account of marching and
fighting. We had had several fights with the enemy lately two of them I was in myself
but escaped them both without a scratch of which I am thankful to Lord for we just
had a fight the evening before I received your letter and in that battle we lost 5 killed
and 7 wounded out of our Company. Their names is as follows killed Capt. Hill,
Whitaker, Dr. Lede, Miller, Knox, Wounded Toab files, Campbell, Bullock, Watson,
Henderson, Renfrae, Soloman, Morgan.
In the next fight we had two killed and five wounded which is as follows Killed.
Stott, Hicks, Wounded Peagler, Long, Yeldell, Vernon, Lt. Brewer.
We run the enemy back to their gun boats on the James River about 30 miles
from Richmond. We have only about 18 men in our Company fit for duty and only
about 120 in the Redgt. I expect Toab will get a furlough and go home but he can’t
tell you much about it for he got wounded early in the engagement. He got his chin
bone fractured. He will get over it if he takes care of himself.
It has been two weeks tomorrow since we left Camp. When we get back to
Camp, that is if I have the good luck to do so, I will give you a full account of all that I
have seen and been through sine I left amps but you will have to excuse this letter for
I am in a hurry to get through with it for I would not be surprised to be called to
Arms no minut. In your last Oliver wanted know what I would do for blankets. You
an tell him that I have got two of the best Yankee blankets he ever saw worth two
such pairs as I lost.
When you write you must let me know whether Oliver has got off or not and if he
has where he is and also let me know what become of the old Dr. Ohterlonie an tell
Mr. Sanford that I would like the best in the world to hear from him.
You may send me Frank too if you can spare him.
Write as soon as you receive this and continue to do so and tell Mr. Sanford to do
the same. I would be glad to hear from home every week.
Give my respects to all and except a share for yourself.
Your affectionate Son,
J.H. Crittenden
Near Richmond
July 10, 1862
Dear Father,
I wrote you a few lines the other day when I was about 25 miles from amps and I
had no other way of sending to the office but by a citizen and for fear that he did not
carry it I have taken this opportunity of writing again.
We had several fights with the Yankees before we drove them from before
Richmond but we drove them right along before us like driving cattle until we drove
them under cover of their gunboats.
My brigade was not in but two of the fights and still that was more than some of
the rest was in. We lost 7 of our Company was killed and 12 was wounded and
among the number that was killed was Capt. Hill and among the wounded was Toab
Files. Toab has got a furlough and gone home so I understood. He was to start
yesterday. I would like to off got to of seen him before he started but I never got to
Camp until today.
I came out of both the fights without receiving a scratch so you may tell Phil that
I had better luck than he did but I felt like the whole yankee nation was shooting at
me. Some can say that they had as soon go in battle as not but I got a plenty of it,
that is if the Yankees will let us alone but if it is necessary I an try it again.
I got two fine Yankee blankets from them to pay for those that I had to throw
away at the battle of the Seven Pines. I also got me a good Yankee canteen,
haversack and oil cloth. We taken some Yankee prisoners that say the Alabamians
would charge a breast work with Burlow Knives just to get a canteen and haversack.
Jeff Davis was down with us on the battle field right among when we had the last
fight that I was in. That is a great deal loser than old Abe cares to risk himself before
the rebels. Jeff knew what kind of boys he had on his side.
There is some talk of our being sent up in the Valley with Jackson but I don’t
know whether it is so or not.
In your last letter you wrote me word that I could get Frank if I wanted but I
wrote you word not to send him. I believe you may send him now if you can spare
him out of the farm. He won’t be a great deal of service to me now.
You must write to me again soon and tell Mr. Sanford I would like to hear from
him and also Ma. You must let me know if Oliver has got off and if he is pleased with
a Soldier’s life.
Your affectionate Son
J.H. Crittenden
Dear Father,
Camp North of Centerville, Va.
Sept 2nd 1862
I have taken the opportunity of addressing you a few lines to let you hear where I
am and that I am well.
I reckon you have been thinking that I did not intend to write to you again but
this is the first opportunity of writing since we left Richmond. We have been
traveling every day since we left.
We left Richmond the 10th of August and have had several Pitch battles with the
Yankees. We had a fight on the same battlefield that they fought on the 21st of July
1861 and defeated them just about as bad again.
We had only one man in the Company wounded and none killed. His name was
Churchwell.
I have a notion of sending Frank back home. He is so dissatisfied. Such a fool.
When he heard a bomb he nearly run himself to death. The first time he heard a
cannon he ran five miles before he stopped and threw away every thing he had.
We have stopped at this place just long enough to cook up two days rations. I
don’t know where we are going from here.
We have but very little to eat since we left Richmond but green corn and apples.
We left our knapsacks behind in the wagons and we have not a change of clothing
since.
We have been on the march and I don’t know when we will again.
Give my respects to all inquiring friends and love to the family and except a
portion for yourself.
Your affectionate Son
J.H. Crittenden
P.S. Tell Mr. Sanford that I will write to him the first opportunity.
Yours…
J.H.C.
Jefferson Co. Va.
Sept 22, 1862
Mrs. Crittenden, according to my promise to you I will drop you a small note in
which I will inform you that your son John was killed on Thurs. the 19th inst. He was
killed on the battle field. He was struck in the head and never spoke a word after he
was shot. He was doing good fighting and had done it all the time. But poor fellow
he is gone the way all the rest of us must go shortly. But I hope and trust that we
may be prepared to meet each other in another world. You can only say that your
Son died in a good cause. I can assure you that I hated to loose John’s Company as
bad as anybody could for he was a good friend to me and made a great Soldier. We
whipped the Yankees back and held the battlefield that night and the next day taken
up our wounded and buried our dead and then fell back this side of the river for a
better position so we could have a better chance at them. We are looking for another
big fight soon and then it may be my time next so I will close for this time. Give my
best respects to all inquiring friends if there be any and reserve a large portion for
yourself.
I remain yours as ever
Elias Long
(Back of Letter) A few lines to Miss Nancy A. Josey. The first thing is I hope neither
of you will not think hard of my writing to you both in the same letter for I do not
know Mrs. Crittenden’s given name and knowing that you both live lose together I
wanted to just drop you both a line together. I am unwell at this time but in better
health than I have been in for some time. Back is broke down and wore out. Nancy
we got four killed in this battle. John Crittenden, John Patton, Segress Clancy was
the ones that killed and those four wounded was all that was. I got no news from
hardly at all. Bon got a letter from James a few days back and Rebecca wrote a piece
in it and stated that she had been to see you and stated that you and her had wrote
me a letter but I have not received it. But she said that you was all well. I don’t know
wheather you will get this or not and I will close for now. Give your Father and
Mother my best respects and reserve a large portion to yourself so I remain your
friend as ever.
Elias Long
September 25, 1862
Camp Near Winchester, Va.
Mrs. Crittenden.
Having found on my arrival that John Crittenden your son was killed I drop you
a few lines to accompany the letter that you sent him by me, though I suppose you
have heard of his death before this. He was killed in Maryland some time previous
to my arrival.
The Company says he was killed with a bomb it struke his head taking one side
of his head. We have but to mourn the loss of so brave a soldier. He was attentive
kind and condescending in all of his acts.
I will send you the letter back but the clothing was stolen in Richmond with all I
had for myself and others. This amp is about 6 miles from Winchester but there is
no telling how long we will remain for the Army is all the time moving. So you may
know we are not well supplied with anything. We cannot get any Confederate
Stamps in this part as the Yankees have had possession of all this Country. I will
close my note and should be pleased to hear from you at any time.
Give my respects to all inquiring friends and receive the same yourself.
Yours respectfully
Isac Long
I
Camp near Martinsburg Va.
Sept. 26th 1862
Mr. John Crittenden
Dear Friend,
I now take the opportunity of writing you a few lines informing you that I am fine
and well. I am great hopes this will come safe to hand and find you injoying the
same. It grieves me much to have to inform you of the death of your son who lost his
life on Wednesday the 17th inst. While discharging his duty in battle. He was struck
in the breast with a mony ball which kill him instantly on the same day and near at
the same time fell John Patton and Seercrest and which made 3 kill. James Burns,
Lt. R Gamble, Frank Coleman wounded and G.N. Lewis missing which made 7 killed
wounded and missing out of our Company. This battle taken place in the State of
Marryland 5 miles north of Shepherd town on the Potomac River. It was the hardest
fought battle that has bin during this Campaign. Our loss is estimated at 8 thousand
and from the Yankees own papers there was 40,000 the next day after the fight. We
had possession of the Battlefield on the right and left and in sent the Yankees helt the
battlefield. We helt our position all day and at night fell back across the Potomac in
good order. The yankees attempted to follow us and did several thousand cross the
Potomac but Jackson turned back and met them at the River and came down on
them with both cannon and musket and drove them back with great loss on there
side. The River was near blackened with dead Yankees and since all has been quiet.
Your negro boy Frank is here and is well and I will see that he is sent home at the
first opportunity. Tender my pios Regeards to Mrs. Crittenden and family. Respets
to friends and believe me
Very truly your friend
J.J. Wright
Please tender my best wishes to Mr. Sanford. I trust I shall hear from you direct to
Richmond in care of apt. T.H. Mills.
Aug. 15th 1864
City Hall Hospital
Macon, Ga.
Dear Father
I am very sick with the fever. I would you come and see me if you wish to see me
alive. I think it will be a very easy matter for me to get a furlough when I am able to
travel. I have been sick for three months. I am very much reduced. Come quick
Father for need your help. Bring me a pair of pantloon.
I have very good attention. I am getting weaker every day.
Your truly and affectionate Son
J.F. Crittenden
Macon Sept. 2nd 1864
City Hall Hospital
Mr. John Crittenden
Your son died this morning about 3 o’clock. Will be berried this evening. I am
very sorry but we could not help his dying. He had attention that was necessary. He
never got any better after you left. How must I dispose of your money? I will send it
by mail if you say at your risk. Please let me know soon.
Yours and….
O.H.P. Slaten
Brown Ferry Ga.
May 8, 1865
The bearer Sergent O.H. Crittendin in Company E, 56 Regt. Ala. Cav. A Paroled
Prisoner of the Army Commanded by Gen. G.E. Johnson has permission to go to him
home and there remain undisturbed on Condission of not taking up arms against the
United States until properly relieved of the obligation of his Parole.
F. Det. Riley Capt.
Comdg. Co. E. 56
Regt. Ala. Cavl.